Students should be able to meet the following costs as they apply to their particular situation (an increase of approximately 5-7% for each succeeding academic year should be anticipated):

1. Travel expenses between home country and U.S. during vacation periods
2. Large purchases (such as computers, furniture, etc.)
3. Medical expenses not covered by health insurance (eye care, dental care, medical problems developed before arriving at the university)
4. Additional summer expenses (if any) including tuition and fees, room and board, and books
5. Additional expenses such as travel during vacation periods and off-campus transportation
6. Other personal expenses (such as entertainment, social outings, etc.)
7. Additional family members (if any)

Married students who plan to bring their families should add at least $5,500 for their spouse and $4,000 for each child per year to their annual living expenses.

On-Campus Housing
Rent estimates are based on on-campus shared rooms (double occupancy) in most of the residence halls for undergraduate students. Residence Halls are closed during the inter-session/summer break (between Fall and Spring semesters) and students are responsible for finding alternative housing during this time. For more information, contact Housing and Residence Life at (202) 885-3370, or visit their website here.   

Off-Campus Housing
Rent estimates are based on the average cost for a shared one-bedroom apartment. Rent may include all utilities except telephone service. If utilities are not included, additional costs each month should be anticipated. Normally, students must also purchase or rent furnishings, such as a television, furniture, and cooking utensils. In general, it is not possible to locate off-campus housing by mail or phone. Students should also budget for transportation costs, which vary greatly depending on distance from the university and on preferred type of public or private transportation. For more information, visit the Off-campus Housing website here.  

Estimated meal expenses are based on a variety of on-campus "meal plan" options, which range in costs per semester. The University Dining Services will be closed during the Thanksgiving break, summer break, and spring break. Students should plan to make other dining arrangements during these times. Therefore, students should plan to budget additional costs during these periods for meal expenses. Residence Halls are also closed from during the inter-session break (between Fall and Spring semesters) and students are responsible for finding alternative housing during this time.

All full-time international students (except those holding an A, G, or H visa) are required to purchase health insurance. International students are automatically enrolled and billed for the university-sponsored insurance plan. Students may waive this fee if proof of a comparable plan is provided to the Health Center. Students on an F-1 or J-1 visa must provide health insurance for their dependents as well. Please refer to the Student Health Center web site for current dependent costs here. Students who begin their studies in the summer semester must purchase separate insurance for the summer term

Students with disabilities must anticipate additional annual expenses. Please contact The Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC) for more information.

To help students with their personal budgeting, below is a worksheet that can help to estimate the costs for the entire length of your program of study at American University.

For budgeting purposes only. Students do not need to submit this worksheet to ISSS.